Common Dog Oral Tumors

Oral tumors are growths or lumps that develop in the pet's
mouth and oral cavity. Although all tumors are tested for cancer, every
tumor isn't malignant. Oral cancer is not as common as other forms or
types of cancers seen in dogs. Benign tumors are those that don't
spread to different parts of the body. They can also be easily removed
with surgery. Epulids are the most commonly occurring benign tumors in
dogs. There are several types of malignant oral tumors that also
develop in dogs. However certain types are more common than others.

Common Dog Oral Tumors

Malignant melanoma

Squamous cell carcinoma

Fibrosarcoma

Malignant Melanoma in Dogs

This type of tumor develops due to abnormal cell division of
melanocytes. This cancer is seen in older pets and some tumors may have
distinct pigments on the surface. Dogs suffering from malignant
melanoma in the oral cavity exhibit symptoms that include bad breath,
oral bleeding and pain during ingestion of food. Malignant melanoma is
known to spread to different parts of the body, particularly the lungs.

The vet will perform a complete blood cell count test to determine
the amount of white and red blood cells present. Urine analysis and
fine needle aspirate testing is necessary to confirm diagnosis. In
order to prevent discomfort or pain, oral tumors may be surgically
removed and then tested for malignancy. The vet may also have to remove
certain parts of the jaw to completely eliminate cancer cells.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Dogs

Squamous cell carcinoma develops as a mass or growth on the skin.
Although squamous cell carcinomas are localized in nature, they often
spread to the adjoining tissues or bones at a later stage. The vet will
perform a complete oral x-ray to determine the extent of malignancy and
detect bone damage present. In order to obtain a definite diagnosis,
the vet will have to surgically remove a part of the tumor. If the
cancer has spread to the bone and adjoining tissues, complete surgical
removal of the tumor may not be possible. Additional treatment is
necessary to prevent disease progression.

Fibrosarcoma in Dogs

Although fibrosarcoma isn't as common as malignant melanoma in dogs,
the cancer develops as red growth or ulcers. Fibrosarcoma may
not spread quickly to other parts of the body. However it has to be
treated with chemotherapy medication or combination therapy.

Other Oral Tumors in Dogs

Acanthomatous ameloblastoma

Multilobular osteochondrosarcoma

Lymphoma

Myxosarcoma

Diagnosis of Tumors in Dogs

The vet will perform a fine needle aspirate test to obtain a few
samples of the tumors and send it for laboratory analysis. This helps
determine the type and grade of cancer present. Biopsies performed
after surgical removal of the tumor will also determine treatment
options and the severity of treatment protocol.

Treatment of Oral Tumors

Oral tumors that are removed surgically are treated with
chemotherapy medication and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses
photons that penetrate the nucleus of cancerous cells to destroy or
shrink them. Combination therapy is a treatment that includes both
chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Common chemotherapy drugs include
cisplatin and carboplatin.

Pet owners should discuss with the vet, treatment options suited to
individual dogs. Pet suffering from cancer require frequent follow up
vet checks and tests. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy reduce the
pain and discomfort caused due to cancer and improve the dog's quality
of life.